Thursday, February 13, 2014

Clara's New Book, A Giveaway + The Storm

Of all the new people to arrive in the yarn business since Julia was born 15 years, I would say that Clara Parkes has got to be one of the people who has made the most impact on its change, the change of the zeitgeist of the knitters and how they choose a yarn, and the proliferation of throngs of people going to sheep and wool festivals. Clara is a woman who has made a very good career all around swatching skeins of wool. A good review by Clara can send a yarn off the charts. It's an amazing place she has made for herself.

In December, I received a copy of Clara's new book - The Yarn Whisperer. This book is published by STC/Melanie Falick Books. It is different than Clara's other books and I was curious to see if it could hold my attention. I am a non-fiction reader - I can't remember when I last read a book of fiction. I read a lot about artists and farming and cooking and I wasn't so sure I would like reading about knitting. I read before bed each evening - it is the only quiet time I can concentrate. I wasn't sure I wanted to end my day with knitting considering I think about it a lot during the day and it is part of my job.

So --- with trepidation, I opened The Yarn Whisperer shortly after Christmas. Here is what the endpapers look like. Hot pink which is also picked up in the book jacket type. Lovely. It was a good sign. There are no photos in this book - it is not a lovely picture book - it is a literary book on knitting.

I was so pleasantly surprised - I was giggling out loud as I read through each chapter each evening - nodding, laughing, and saying to myself - "Clara, you are a funny, clever knitter/writer? I wouldn't mind having dinner with you." It has been a couple months since I planned to write about The Yarn Whisperer and things (let's say lots of little wooly baby things) have gotten away in the way. I've been looking at the book sitting on the bedside table, meaning to tell you all about it. Most likely you have already read it, but if you haven't it, I highly recommend it.

Because books are such a big part of my life, I kept looking at that cover with the yarn wrapped around it. I obsess over book design - I can't help it. I write books but I love the feeling of looking into a book - to see what the designer did to it to carry through with the cover design and the words (and sometimes photos) within. I looked at the cover color combination of brown and pink and green - loving the play on the complementary colors. I love a book with a jacket. I fear they will be a thing of the past very soon - too much money to print that extra paper. Oh, I will miss them. For all you book and design nerds out there, here is what it looks like under the jacket.

I couldn't help myself - thinking about how it needed a little multi-color treatment. I dressed Clara's book up in several strands of my Color By Kristin.

Clara is a great speaker too - You can listen to an interview with her on NPR here. It's a nice interview to knit by. Here's what I have for all of you today - one of you lucky readers will win a copy of The Yarn Whisperer donated by STC/Melanie Falick Books. Here's how you enter......Answer the following question in the comments.Tell me how you like to read books - in physical book form, on some kind of device or via audio. I can't wait to hear what you all say. Me, I'm still old-fashioned and prefer the paper format. Contest ends Sunday evening February 16th at midnight. US addresses only please. And please leave an easy way to get a hold of you - email, Rav id, blogger id.... Good luck everyone.The Storm.... Yes,
it is storming here. I'm sitting in the studio, watching it whirl
around. This morning I helped feed hay and water mamas. It is supposed
to go for 12 more hours. It sure will make sheep farming much more
difficult. Here's a photo from my Instagram feed of the ewes and lambs after feeding.

I have a kindle and I find it very convenient for those times when I just don't have a book with me or the book I have with me doesn't appeal. With 1600 books on it though, the kindle barely functions, so I tend to read using the web or iPhone app. However, I have a lot of paperback books as well and like to read them at home. I don't like hard bound books because they are too heavy and it hurts my hands to hold on to them for long periods.Kristin/HLmauera

I really like a comfortable chair, a warm fire, and a cup of tea next to me as I hold a "real" book to read...maybe because it is storming here in NC right now, too. I love an audio book for travel...the miles just melt away.Ruth CRavelry ID: muttiruth

Oh, how I love the bundle of Kristin Nicholas yarn around Clara's unjacketed book! Delicious! I must confess that I have never read a book in any form other than paper. I, too, read before bed, and after so much time on a computer during the day, the thought of holding an electronic device while reading for pleasure simply does not appeal. And I'm still a magazine hound, too. Paper, that is. Thanks for the giveaway! (Nellablue/RavID)

I am old school when it comes to books. I don't just love the story, I need the whole experience. There's the feel of the book, the smell of a book. I can't do the e-books at all; and as a nurse practitioner student this has been a burden. Most of my books for classes are huge and heavy. But I just can't get used to a tablet.

I can't convert myself to electronic books. I love holding the pages too much and it feels more like I'm at work if I'm staring at a screen. The only selling point is it might be easier to do while knitting! But I'm not convinced yet.

I prefer the paper, I want to feel that book in my hands, turning the pages. But I also like to travel and having the book on my IPad is how I do it, I have to leave room for my yarn to in my bags you know....Love Clara Parks and her knowledge has helped me on many a project.

I like both paper and electronic (I have a Kindle). The kindle is wonderful for traveling and reading samples of books before buying them; paper books are nice for reading in bed and falling asleep with ;)

Tell me how you like to read books: I always enjoy the feel of physically turning pages. I have hardback first editions of some of my favorite authors. If hardback cookbooks and craftbooks count, I have those too. That being said, I do have some Kindle books because there were offered as free items, but I find myself reading them once whereas I read my physical books repeatedly over and over.

I read books any way I can get them. I occasionally get ARC's, but I mostly download books onto my Kindle. I also have a tendency to listen to audio books when I am spinning. It's funny your mention of covers. It's an agonizing decision, and this is too clever. Thanks for the chance!

I'm old fashioned and nothing beats having a book in your hand. However, I will read in any format because I HAVE to read. Have an ereader because of the lovely bedbug infestation at our city's library system so now paper books to borrow but at least I can read to my hearts content.

I have not read any of her books but will now! Thanks for the recommendation. I guess I'm old fashioned and although I will read on a Kindle I still prefer the real thing! Thanks for the giveaway! ~Terri

I have a tablet, but don't use it for reading. I want to feel the book, but don't consider it old fashioned. I like turning the pages and carrying it around with me. I'm a compulsive reader. If there is any kind of print in front of me - I'll read it. Good luck to me.

I am a book worm. I just can't imagine curling up in bed with a kindle or reading by the fire using a nook. I love the feel of paper pages while flipping them back and forth to view maps, photos, or end notes.

I love reading books in every form, but I love owning books. Especially ones with gorgeous photos of knitting and sheep and yarn. I love carrying books around with me. Sometimes I sleep with my books. My husband is not so keen on that. I like audiobooks in the car, but sometimes they put me to sleep and that is not good.

I am a school librarian so naturally, I love books. However, I am excited about the educational possibilities of ebooks and animated books for my students. It is such a fun way to get kids excited about reading.mary kate pwitry@rcn.com

I use all three methods of reading books. Audio while knitting, paper book while laying in bed before going to sleep and both audio and e- books when traveling.Thanks for the giveaway.Rav ID. Craftyslm

I'm sold on my Kindle---my local public library has a wonderful collections of ebooks you can download via the internet, so you can get a book at any time, no matter the weather. I have had a really heavy cold this past week, and it was great to be able to sit on the couch in my pajamas and get library books. I also like that you can adjust the font size on the Kindle, so that every book is large print.

I love reading and never thought I could give up BOOKS for a Kindle...but I love the Kindle and the easel type case I bought for it. I can read while knitting, while knitting or eating and just need to tap a button to get to the next page. It has really helped me read more since with arthritis in my hands, it was getting ahrd to hold onto thicker books. I still have many shelves full of books - especially reference books - but I do most of my fun reading on a Kindle now.

I absolutely prefer books in my hands.I am an artist/illustrator and I check right away how the end-papers are designed, who the dedication is for, author & artist info. on the book jacket, and the inside of the book if it has a paper wrapper. I collect children's books, knitting books, old books, travel books & more. My son especially loVed Beatrix Potter's, The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher so much that he would bite the corner of the hardback book. When I asked him why, he'd say,"Me like it so much to eat it!" I remember reading Hitty: Her First Hundred Years when I was quite young and also Miss Hickory. Reading my Aunt Bea's little green hardback Nancy Drew books made me feel so grown up. The embossing on books used to add so much character. Remember Uncle Wiggly, the rabbit stories ?Just wonderful books !Writing & stories are so magical to me in book form. I enjoy seeing the illustrations of wonderful artists. I have listened to a few audio books,The Golden Compass was stellar & I did enjoy that option when I was ill with cancer, but mostly I prefer books in hand. Thank you for the chance to win Clara's new book !Best,Shell ~YarnSoup@yahoo.com

I am definitely a paper person when it comes to books. I am not philosophically opposed to other methods of conveying information and/or entertainment, but I just like the feel, the weight, well, everything about an old-fashioned real honest-to-goodness book. There is just no substitute. On another topic completely, thanks so much for all the lamby pictures--they are absolutely irresistible.Pam B

I love reading and always end my day by reading in bed. I prefer fiction but I have read books from various genres. I have an IPad which has the kindle app with books to read, but if I open it to read in bed, my little furry daughter who is sleeping on the pillow next to me bolts out of the room. So I stick to paperbacks. I would love to win Clara Parkes new book. I have some of her other books which I have enjoyed.

I used to swear by the paper version of books, but have become a huge fan of the digital versions. I recently moved to the middle of nowhere and can download great digital books through the library. This gives me access to 10 times plus the available books in our tiny county library.

I am old school and prefer a real book to read. I like folding the pages and I like to hold it and to see how much I have read and how much further I have to go. I do not like these new devices at all. I also like to listen to audio books when I am driving I am really into that right now makes me excited to drive somewhere.heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

I will always prefer reading from a paper book however, ebooks have their place. I like to use my kindle when I travel because then I have access to whatever I want to read. Reading off the kindle has eliminated having to make the tough choice: do I knit or do I read. Thanks for introducing me to Clara's books. I can't wait to read them.RavID: emrubin

I own a kindle and have tried reading books on it, but definitely prefer a good old-fashioned book! My first job was in a public library and I still get excited when I browse the possibilities on the shelves of our library!Thanks for the giveaway!mamagiff on ravelry

I love books!!!!! I grew up with a mother who ran the library in our little town. Every day after school I would go there and pour over the ancient pages of books long forgotten ... I had to construct a floor to ceiling bookshelf to house a part of my book collection. I sort bt topics...knitting, sewing, jewelry, etc. I spend enough time on computers during the day...I. Love my books!!!! thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!

For me, there is nothing like holding a book in my hands, looking at the font and type size, reading the entire book jacket, and when purchased, choosing the right book mark. E readers have their place when riding in a car at night, in bed, on a plane, but a book is my first guilty choice. I love trees and shade so in thoughtful moments, I compromise.

I still love the feel of books and use them about half the time. But when I travel, nothing beats the Kindle. Also, my daughter shares my Kindle account so when I buy a book o it, she can read it, too!

I love old books and perusing an antique shop looking at books of the past, wondering who touched them, who read them, who wrote them. I have a little 1800 devotional book I start every day with. But lately, with so many fleeces of rambouillet to spin up for our upcoming fiber festival, I love audio books while my teenage daughter and I spin, spin, spin.

I have to be able to touch/hold the book i am reading...none of this digital stuff! I love walking and browsing through bookstores! Your pictures of the lambs and sheep are beautiful! My daughter and I have really been enjoying them! Thanks for sharing them with us! :)

Always have loved reading books, especially paper books. A few years ago I started listening to them. It is wonderful to be able to do two things at one time, listening to a book and knit. If the book is really good it is on all of the time. I have gotten my husband interested in listening and when we road travel we both listen to a good book at the same time.

When I was working I'd "read" audio books on the commute - a great way to spend 90+ minutes x 5 every week. But now when I read, which I do frequently, I have found my way back to paper. It's lovely to have something completely independent of batteries or electricity, something you can take in the tub or tuck in the traveling sock bag. Besides which, you can OWN a book, you can loan it numerous times, you can scan a page or a pattern and slip it in your pocket.

People seem to forget that you only own the "rights" to a book when you purchase it electronically. You can't give it away, you are limited in your loaning and if you die, unless someone else knows the password to your account, your possession is swallowed up in the ether. I'll take paper and have it really be mine, thanks.

By the time I can settle down to read each day, my eyes are shot. So I have developed a strong love of the audio book. Audible.com is my saving grace and has allowed me to listen to my heart's content. I do occasionally buy a hardback book when it first comes out. But only the things I would like to pass down to my granddaughter's, or their children years from now.

All my good knitting, quilting, embroidery books are of the dead tree variety. And I treasure each and every one of those.

I have a kindle fire and the app on my computer. But I love the FEEL of paper in my hand. It helps get me to the place the author wants me to go. I want to disconnect from electronics every now and then.

I love books and find it very hard to ever get rid of one, hence many bookcases and stacks of books throughout my house. I always have a book on my bedside table and never travel without a book or two in my tote bag. I also love children's books, and have three bookcases full of these as well. In the past few years I have taken to listening to books on my iPod or my iPhone and find that I can read (listen) as I drive, vacuum, fold laundry, walk, or whatever else I am doing that would not allow me to hold a book in my hands and read.

Old-fashioned gal here, still love to hold a printed book and turn its pages.

I love reading your posts about farm life. I grew up in farm country (dairy farms) but relocated to the city many years ago. There are a lot of things I still miss about farms, one of which is the sweet faces of the farm babies. I look forward to your pictures.Beth, rav id: IK2

My first book memory - visiting a public library at a young age. An atmospheric Richardson Romanesque building, the children's room on the second floor. Oh, that wonderful book smell, and all those choices. Sadly, that building gone for a parking garage. Only paper for me. Only paper books, magazines, newspapers.For the best comments on this subject take time to read the thoughts of Verlyn Klinkenborg published sometime in 2013 in the New York Times. He nailed it!

Like knitting projects, I like books in every form...paper, ebooks, audible. I learned long ago to knit and read at the same time by using a cookbook stand to hold my book. It is easier to read on my computer and knit as I don't have to take the yarn off my fingers to turn the page:) Thanks for the giveaway!MGBB

I miss her on Knitting Daily, I so enjoyed her segments. I am old fashioned and like to hold a book even though I own a kindle. I refuse to buy craft books any way but to hold in my hand. Rav ID is NaomiKnitster.

I am "old fashioned" and love reading with book in hand. There is nothing like having a hard copy of a book (including that great book cover) while snuggled in a warm cozy bed! I still cherish the hours spent reading that special bed time story to both my girls when they were young. Looking forward to reading to future grandchildren!

I prefer the old fashioned book with jacket like you but I more often read on my iPad for convenience and storage. It's the same with magazines. Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love to read this book. Rav Id -kittykatz

I am also old fashioned and like to feel the book and turn the pages. I read also at night before bed. But most importantly I can't go on a trip of any kind without a book and a knitting project. My British husband after 10 years has gotten this message and will ask me - do you have your book? do you have your knitting? Both of these are what ground me.

I am also a fan of non-ficition and I cannot recommend more highly a completely different topic book "The Boys In The Boat" - It is a treasure.

I purchased a Nook Color shortly after they came out and really enjoy reading books on it. I use the Kindle app on my iPad to read books and I visit the library a couple times a week to take our books I can hold. Guess I just love books of all types.

I usually prefer reading the old-fashioned way, but I do have a nook that I use when I travel. It is much lighter than hauling around 3 or 4 books when we go away. Of course, I read blogs online and I have listened to the occasional book on CD when traveling with the kids.

Thank YOU, Kristin ~ I'm a bedtime reader too, so I've recently gone to a Kindle, to be more considerate to my husband, who's not so much a bedtime reader ... I do still love a hard copy too, though, but the content means more than the form, for me. :)

I most definitely prefer paper to pixels. I love the tactile feel of a book or magazine in my hands. I too don't read a lot of fiction. Most of the books I own are reference books. I was hoping to hear a little more about what to expect in the book. I guess I'll have to wait to read it myself.

I like audiobooks if the narrator is good since I can do chores, drive or knit while reading that way. But I like to read by eye too, either on paper or e-books on my Nexus 7 mini tablet. Give me a good story and I don't care what the format is!

I really enjoy your blog. I prefer reading a real book, but also listen to audiobooks quite a bit. I can do a lot of things like cooking,gardening and of course knitting with a book in my ear. I do read on my Nook because I can get a lot of books from the library without leaving home. But nothing beats the feel of real book in your hands

The idea of a kindle is great if you travel but I will always read books in paper form. I love snuggling under a blanket on the couch and reading a great book. It is my idea of a perfect day.AnitaSkibum on Rav

I am a paper girl, very low tech, but I may have to start exploring e-books since there seems to be a strong trend toward abandoning paper. I just pulled off my shelves a whole bunch of knitting books to share with friends this weekend. How would that work with e-books? Pass around the kindle? Paper books are still a wonderful technology. gnlmutti@gmail

I enjoy holding a book in my hands and the feel of turning the pages, just like I enjoy wool slipping through my fingers's as I knit! Electronics have their place, however the feel of a book is key for me! Love your lambs!!

I enjoy holding a book in my hands and the feel of turning the pages, just like I enjoy wool slipping through my fingers's as I knit! Electronics have their place, however the feel of a book is key for me! Love your lambs!!

I keep trying to like my Kindle, and I've tried audio books too (which are nice to listen to while knitting), but I must say I still prefer real, paper and ink books that I can hold. I love how you dressed up the book with yarn! :)

I still prefer the old fashioned book esp one with lots of photos or pictures. My kindle is an old one so don't see any pictures. Thanks for writing about Maud Lewis. I now have one of the books about her and think her painting are wonderful, so colorful and subjects of a time I miss. Rav Id is peggyspins

This book is on my Goodreads To-Read list! I love the cover and I love your re-do. Ultimately I really like to hold a book in my hand (and be able to smell the pages!) but have a nook that I use occasionally. I also listen to books in the car on long trips. Still prefer to hold one though. I too, fear that physical books will go away and I'm not looking forward to it.

I'm old fashioned in my book reading. It needs to be a print copy. I spent too much time staring a a computer screen at work to want to come home and stare at another screen to read a book. I'm also happier with the tactile feel and smell of a real book in my hands.

I love to read a real book for the feel and smell and the heft of it ,but I will take a kindle on holiday because of how many you can take . I would only use the kindle on a book I did not want to keep. It is wonderful to have bookcases -they are like friends . Stay warm -I love your blog and your life although you are a much stronger woman I than I could ever hope to be.

I'll take my books any way I can get them, be it hardcover, paperback, ebook or audiobook, from the library or the bookstore. Every room in our house has books and when I mention to my son or grandkids (they live with me) that we should cull some of the books we haven't read in a while I have a rebellion on my hands. So what is another book added to the collection. Wonder if I would be able to beat my knitting/crocheting granddaughter to this book? Maybe we could take turns reading while working on our projects.

Can't believe I'm really doing this because I've never blogged before in my life but I'll do ANYTHING for another knitting book - although I already have more than my local library - including yours, Kristin!

I need the paper variety because I'm computer dysfunctional but I know exactly where all my books are.

I felt like I'd betrayed my love for hardback books when I got a KindleFIRE. I don't feel that way so much anymore. I realize there is a time and place for everything. I love to read hardback books but when I'm knitting, I now have the opportunity to continue with my books via audiobooks. It's so enjoyable to get lost in a book while crafting. I still read hardback books, too, though. I don't think that will ever stop. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

If the book is an instructional book with pictures such as cook books and knitting books I want them in the physical form. Other books such as novels where there are no pictures I don't mind reading them on my Kindle.

I love the feel of a dead tree book. I do find reading a book on the iPad easy on the train and late night in bed with the baby. But I don't like flashing my iPad in public, plus it isn't mine it's my job's so I can't build up a virtual library yet.

I read mostly at night in bed on my Nook. It has a backlight so I don't disturb my husband (which he appreciates!). I also have a Nook Simple Touch for reading in the car, beach, etc. for bright daylight reading. As far as knitting goes, I have many books. When knitting I like my patterns printed on paper (I can usually adjust the print size, too). Thanks for the giveaway!Rav ID ladywithneedles

I'm the same, I prefer hardbacks or paper backs. I have a kindle and it is handy for travel. I don't have to pack an extra bag for books. I find that pleasure reading and a few games are ok. I tried magazines and reference books, too, on the kindle, but it's not the same. Now I purchase reference books, knitting books, and magazines. And novels on kindle. I would like to win the "real" Clara Parkes book! Patt auntiddaknits@yahoo.com

This sounds like a fun book. I like you only find time to read at night before sleeping so it must be a real book, although I recently found it is convenient to read on my iPad while riding my recumbant bike before starting dinner.Love your yarns and farm stories and photos.

Oh paper by far is my favorite--cup of coffee and book in hand and a blanket--or handknit shawl--just got a copy of EZ Knitter's Almanac today and then went to post about it on my blog and ran into your post!

I have audiobooks for travel-my fist trip to Squam I listened to Delinsky to pass the 6 hours driving alone.Of course for travel and patterns my tablet does come in handy--I love words-I work in a libraryThanks or the giveaway-would be great to own Clara's book.

I'll never lose the love of feeling a book in my hands, turning pages, even the smell. On the other hand, I don't have room for more! My e-reader has dozens of books (I'm a re-reader!), access to the library with Overdrive, and I can read at night without turning on lights and waking myself up more than necessary. When I was in high school, I carried a large shoulder bag and always had two or three paperbacks. Now I carry my Nook and have lots of reading choices.Anne ferguson dot ar@gmail dot com

While I love the look and feel of a physical book, I REALLY love to sit in the dark and read with my kindle with the book light cover. Cozy. Given the winter, cozy is good! And in the summer, it means fewer bugs banging against or getting through the screen.

Real books in hand bring back my memories of childhood...going to the library every wed after dinner with my dad and siblings. Love to read a "real" book.mlooking at the cover and the anticipation of reading after looking at the fly leaf.

I have a Kindle, 2 IPads, a Nook and a Smart phone. I have the Kindle app on all of them and books on all of them...but nothing beats walking into a Barnes & Noble store and smelling all of the new books. I feel like I'm on a "high"....therefore I feel like all the electronic devices in the world can't take the place of a good REAL book!!!

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